Ordnance



C.- J. COOKE.

ORDNANGL. APPLICATION HLED JAN-1h IQIB- Patented Oct. 31, 1922..

2 SHEETSSHEET I.

C. 1. COOKE.

) ORDNM'CE. APPLICATION FILED JAN. 11,.1919.

1 H I m m 2 m M 2 a H 9 2 v a 1 n m w 9 F. a 1 H 3 m w m Q 0 M S m 2 m m P \N WN \N %N mm Q l N w Q$ v \{l & mu N b a n 1 h r LAG l|| mm mm m b 9% $0 $0 am 4 mm I a Q 4 3 M R? l w Patented "Oct. 31, 1922.

. UNITE s1" CHARLES JOHN COOKIE, or HONG KONG, CHI-NA.

ORDNANCE.

Application filed January 11, 1919. Serial No. 270,610.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, CHARLES JOHN CooKE, a subject of the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, residing at Hong Kong, China, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Ord nance; and I do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the invention, such as will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains' to make and use the same.

My present invention relates to "ordnance, but more particularly to guns of the nonrecoil type, open at both ends, and adapted to fire a suitable shell or projectile in one direct-ion, and simultaneously in the opposite direction, a reaction mass or dummy recoil-weight, under influence of a common propelling charge interposed between the two, one dischar e absorbing or counterbalancing the recoll of the other. The primary object of this invention is the production of guns or cannon of either large or small caliber which can with safety be carried by and operated from comparatively light and fragile mounts, such, for example, as aeroplanes, seaplanes, or mobile carriages which would otherwise be unable to withstand the shock of recoil.

A further object of this invention is the production of non-recoil guns equipped with muzzle deflectors arranged and adapted to assist in dissipating the recoil forces which result from the explosion in ordinary guns. A further object is the production of means for readily separating the front and rear sections or barrels of a non-recoil gun to facilitate loading the same, or extractmg an exploded cartridge case.

With the aforesaid and other objects in view, the" present invention will now be particularly described, and hereinafter pointed out in the appended claims,

In the accompanying drawings which form part of this application for Letters Patent, and'whereon like numerals refer to correspondlng parts in'the several views use.

in forward.

Figure 3*is a longitudinal central sec- .tional view through gun upon a relatively Figure l is a side elevation of my inventlon mounted upon a Figure 2 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the li e 2-2, Figure 1 look dea pedestal in position for enlarged scale, being broken away at two points for economy of space upon the sheet.

Figure 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 44, Figure 3, looking into muzzle of the gun. I

Figure 5 is a rear end view of the gun barrel showing the rear muzzle deflector.

Figure 6 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 6'6, Figure. 1, looking in the direction of arrows, and

Figure 7 .is also a transverse sectional view on the line 77, of Figure 1,.also looking in the direction of arrows.

" rior to applicants inventions, non-recoil guns open at both ends were constructed and operated from aeroplanes, and from other more or less fragile mounts, but these employed a reaction mass or body having substantially the same weight, and therefore requiring the same initial velocity, as the projectile to be-fired, so that one-half of the weight discharged not only represented a loss, but occupied valuable space and thus materially reduced the number of charges which could be. carried by a given aeroplane or other vehicle upon which the gun was mounted.

Applicant on the contrary, employs a reaction mass of less area and weight than that of the projectile, and absorbs the. longitudinal recoil of his present gun partly by means of said reaction'massand partly bymeans of a system'of muzzle deflectors. In this combined system, however, the gun must be free torecoil to a limited extent while the shell and reaction'mass are'traversing'the length *of their respective gun sections, this requirement being met by mounting the gun reciprocally in a relatively fixed surrounding sleeve, and providing the latter with a'secondary' shock or recoil absorbing sprin as a means of cushioning its rearwar ,movement 'at the instant of firing, as also to' assist'in' returning the gun'to its normalposition. As soon as the base of-the projectile and that of the reaction mass clear their respective gun muzzles, the blast of the powder gases comes intoaction with the muzzle deflectors afore said, to instantly check the rearward movement of the gun,and restore 'itto its'firing position' before any'recoil shock has-been communicated to the-gun mount. I

To still further reduce the bulk and weight of the reacti n mass employed ,by

applicant, the rear gun section or barrel may be relatively lengthened as shown, in proportion as the weight of the reaction mass is reduced. And in cases where the gun sections are rifled as shown, it is preferable that the rifling in the forward and rear gun sections should be so arranged as to cause the reaction mass to rotate much faster than the projectile, and in a reverse direction. This for the purpose of compensating for the smaller radius of gyration and weight of the reaction mass, and thus absorbing the rotational recoil.

A gun exemplifying the present invention is illustrated by the accompanying drawings, in which the numerallO indicates a pedestal or mount capable of ready attach ment to any suitable vehicle or gun latform (not shown), and having a universa or gimbal connection 11 with the trunnions 12, 12, extending laterally from a relatively fixed sleeve or casing 13 of substantially cylindrical form which loosely surrounds a forwardly projecting gun section 14 of the nonrecoil un. In a gun of the present construction w ich dispenses with the more or less cumbersome ordinary recoil mechanism there is practically no recoil shock communicated to the mount, and consequently no undue strain upon its mount regardless of the angle or direction of fire, while at the same time its weight, in comparison with ordinary guns of equal caliber, is materially reduced, notwithstanding its increased length, thereby greatly facilitating its transportation. and manipulation. The materials employed in manufacturing the component parts of the present invention may he varied according to requirements, but generally stated, they are those commonly used in the construction of heavy ordnance, preference being given to high grade alloyed steel as the material 'of which the gun body or sections are made because of its inherent strength and comparative lightness.

The forwardly projecting gun section 14 at its muzzle is fitted with a screw collar 15 to which is firmly bolted a series of muzzle deflectors 16 each consisting of an annulus having a central opening 17 of slightly greater diameter than the bore 18 of the gun, each cupped upon its rear face as shown, and spaced apart by sleeves or space blocks 19 surrounding the bolts 20 by which the are held securely in place.

Secured to the outer peri hery of casing 13 is a blast shield 21 of or inary construction, and located preferably in a central position beneath the shield is a longitudinal spring pocket 22 which may be of integral formation.

The innermost end of gun section 14, corres onding in position with the breech of or inary -guns, is flanged or enlarged as shown at 23, and formed with integral lugs 24, 25, above and below, respectively, as shown. Through the lug 25 in a forward direction, projects a bolt 26 centrally into the spring pocket 22, where it is surrounded by acompression spring -27 interposed be tween a close fitting piston head 28 at its end, and the rear wall of said pocket, while the tail of this bolt 26, between the exterior of said spring pocket and the inner surface of lug 25 is surrounded by a suitable cushion of rubber or other elastic material 29 for purposes which will later appear.

Adjacent flange 23, at a convenient point in the circumference of the main or advance gun section 14 a suitable firing mechanism is provided, the present illustrations showing means for detonating the gun charge electrically, and consisting of a hollow nipple 30 screw threaded into the gun barrel, a centrally arranged insulating bushing 31, a spring pressed electric firing pin 32, anda suitable housing 33 through which said pin projects. There is also diagrammatically shown an electric circuit 34 through the gun barrel itself and communicating with the electric firing pin 32 by agency of a switch 35 constituting the firing trigger, as will appear in the description of operation to follow.

Projecting rearwardly from the lug 24 aforesaid, is a hollow shaft 36 provided with fixed collars 37 and 38, between which is loosely journaled a coupling 39 while the latter in turn loosely surrounds the rear wardly extending gun section 40 thus slidably mounted in said coupling, and rotatable with it about shaft 36 as a center. The coupling 39 immediately above and adjacent the upper surface of gun section '40, ilS broken or splined longitudinally b a slot 39' of segmental cross sectional fbrm, as best shown by Figure 7, into which projects a feather 40 from the surface of gun section 40. At its forward end the, gun section 40 is provided with ;an exterior thread 41, such as commonly used in breech loading cannon, the thread being interrupted at a plurality of points and adapted to mate with a similarly mutilated thread 42 upon the interior of the forward gun section 14 as indicated by Figure 6, to insure a quick and secure coupling of the gun sections after introduction of a charge.

Immediately back of the forged coupling 39 aforesaid, there is shrunk or otherwise rigidly aflixed to the rear gun section 40a crank lever and handle 43 (see Figure 7).

A down thrust of this handle and ever 43 to a position indicated by dotted lines in said Figure 7 results in uncoupling the gun sec-.

. shaft 36 as a center.

Upon the reanextremity of gun section 40 there is threaded, or otherwise secured, a rearwardly cupped, centrally apertured, muzzle deflector 44 for the purpose of further assisting in the absorption of recoil incident to firing the gun as the reaction mass is discharged rearwardly. The latter feature is perhaps best illustrated by Figure 3 of the drawings, and by this figure also it will be noted that the bores of the gun sections 14 and are preferably rifled, although not necessarily so.

The foregoing being a description of the present invention in one form of embodiment, its use and operation will now be briefly set forth as follows:

Presuming for present purposes that a fixed ammunition chargeis employed comprising a shell or projectile A, a cartridge B and a reaction mass C, all constructed and arranged to properly fit the firing chambers of the forward and rear gun sections 14 and 40 as shown. Presuming also that a suitable igniting charge such as D is embedded in cartridge B, and is provided with lead wires a and 6 connecting it on one side with the gun section 14 through the metallic cartridge case, and on the other side with a conductor ring 0 surrounding said case and properly insulated therefrom as shown in section Figure 3. t

In loadingthe present gun the charging lever 43 is first depressed from the position shown by full lines in Figure 7 to that shown by dotted lines, thereby rotating the rear gunsection 40 one-eighth of a turn or until the coupling threads of the respective sections are wholly uncoupled. This accomplished the gun section 40 is then slidlongitudinally in its hanger or couplin 39 until clear of the forward section 14 an beyond, a distance suflicient to clear a projecting reaction mass such as C when in place. The aforesaid one-eighth rotation of gun section 40 carries with it the feather 40"until same is arrested by the opposite or lowermost edge of slot or spline 39, along which it slides as the gun section is drawn rearwardly, and fully uncoupled. By further depressing the same lever 43'the rear gun section 40 is now swung laterally upon shaft 36 as a center until a free entrance is obtained for projectile A and cartridge B into the bore of gun section14, the reaction mass in the meantime rojecting partly from said section rearward y. When fixed ammunition is slid into the firing chamber of the forward gun section 14 it will be noted that the spring pressed electric firing pin 32 is elevated, and finally comes to rest upon the conductor ring 0 surrounding the cartridge. In this relation of gun sections'and ammunition, a reversalof the action of lever 43 replaces the rear section 40 in alinement with the forward section 14, slides the former forward into locking position over the pro ecting reaction mass 0, and by a slight reverse rotation of said section 40 securely interlocks the two, with the charge in position for firing, as clearly shown by- Figure 3 of the drawings.

hereupon the gun may be fired by agency of the firing switch 35 and electrical con- ,nections shown. The projectile A and reaction mass C will now be driven by explosion of the intervening cartridge B in opposite directions through their respective front and rear gun sections 14 and 40. Owing to differences in diameter or bore of the gun sections .14 and 40 the reaction of the projectile is not fully compensated for during its passage ,from one end to the other of the gun section 14 and as a consequence the entire gun will acquire a rearward motion. As soon, however, as the bases of the projectile and the reaction mass clear their respective rearward motion of the gun and returning 3 it to firing position with the cooperation of spring 27. .Or, if preferred, the action of said muzzle deflectors could be so adjusted as to render unnecessary the use of said spring While the-foregoing is a description of my invention in the best form of construction at present known to me, it should. be understood that I by no means limit myself to the coordinating arrangement and combination of parts shown andv described. On the contrary, such arrangement and combination may be varied greatly without de parting from the spirit of my invention, or broad terms of the claims by which it is expressed. For example, it is wholly within the scope of the present invention to construct gun barrels. of unitary tubular form open at both ends, and of unequal caliber at opposite ends, as also a unitary tubular barrel having a firing chamber intermediate its ends, and of unequal lengths upon opposite sides of said chamber; and it will be understood that when such one-piece gun barrels are employed the charge is merely introduced through the mouth of the gun as in case of the old style muzzle loading cannon.

, an intervenlng firing chamber, said barrels being of unequal caliber and each of uniform bore upon opposite sides of the firing chamber throughout the entire portion traversed by a shell and a reaction mass respectively.

2. A non-recoil fire-arm open at both ends comprising forward and rear barrels the latter of relatively reduced diameter, and a firin chamber between the barrels, said barre s each bein of uniform bore upon opposite sides of t e firing chamber throughout the entire portion traversed by a shell and a reaction mass respectively.

3. A non rec'oil fire-arm open at both ends comprising a firing chamber and oppositely disposed barrels of unequal caliber and of unequal length, each being of=uniform bore upon opposlte sides of the firing. chamber throughout the entire portion traversed by a shell and a reaction mass respectively.

4. A non-recoil fire-arm open at both ends comprising oppositely disposed separable barrels and an intervening firing chamber, said barrels being of unequal caliber and each of uniform bore upon opposite sides of the firing chamber throu bout the entire portion traversed by a she I and a reaction mass respectively.

5. A non-recoil fire-arm open at both ends comprising oppositely disposed separable barrels, an intervening firing chamber, and means for detachabl securing said parts together, said barre s being of unequal ca iber and each of uniform'bore upon 0 posite sides of the firing chamber throughout the entire portion traversed by a shell both ends and a reaction mass respectively.

6. Anon-recoil fire-arm open at comprising a plurality of un sections and an intervening firing chamer in longitudinal alinement, said barrels being of unequal caliber and each of uniform bore upon opposite sides of the firing chamber t roughout the entire portion traversed by a shell and a reaction mass respectively.

7. A non-recoil gun open at both ends comprisin in combination 0 ositel disg Pg y opposite sides of the firing chamber through-' out the entire portion traversed by a shell and a reaction mass respectively.

8. A non-recoil gun open at both ends comprising in combination op ositely disposed barrels, an intervening firing chamber, and muzzle deflectors secured to each of said barrels, the said barrels being of unequal caliber and each of uniform bore upon opposite sides of the firing chamber throu bout the entire portion traversed by a shefi and a reaction mass respectively.

9. A non-recoil gun open at both ends comprising-a projectile-firing section, a firing chamber and a communicating section for firing a reaction mass, the latter section being of smaller caliber and greater length than the former, and each 0 said sections individually bein of uniform longitudinal bore throughout its entire length upon opposite sides of the firing chamber.

10. A non-recoil gun comprising in combination a projectile-firing section, a casing in which the latter is reciprocally mounted, a buffer operatively interposed between said casing and gun section, a second gun section of uniform longitudinal bore in open communication with and of smaller caliber than said first mentioned section for firing a reaction mass, and a series of muzzle deflectors carried by said n sections .whereby recoil of the gun is a sorbed.

11. A non-recoil gun open at both ends comprising in combination oppositely disposed barrels, an intervening ring chamber, and inde endent means for absorbing recoil, the said barrels being of unequal caliber and each of uniform bore upon opposite sides of the firing chamber throng out the entire portion traversed by a. shell and a reaction mass respectively.

In testimony whereof I afiix mysignature, in presence of two subscribin witnesses.

CHARLES J GEN COOKE.

Witnesses:

WM. E. Dm, EDWIN L. BRADFORD. 

